> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.adorabl.info/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Supplier returns

> Send received goods back to a supplier, issue them from the warehouse, and post an accounts payable debit.

A supplier return sends goods back to the supplier. adorabl issues the units from the warehouse and posts an accounts payable debit for that supplier.

Supplier returns use the same **Returns** list as [customer returns](https://www.adorabl.info/commerce/returns.md). The **Party** column shows the supplier name and a **Supplier** tag.

## Prerequisites

* A [posted receipt](https://www.adorabl.info/purchasing/purchase-orders-and-receipts.md#receive-goods) or a posted [bill](https://www.adorabl.info/accounts-payable/bills-and-adjustments.md) for the goods you are sending back.
* Enough on-hand quantity at the issuing warehouse to cover the return. adorabl blocks issue when a line is short.
* The return date falls in an open accounts payable period, and issuing stock needs an open inventory period. See [Period close](https://www.adorabl.info/books/period-close.md).

## Start a supplier return

**1. Open the receipt or bill**

On a posted receipt, or on a posted bill, click **Create return**.

adorabl opens a draft for that supplier. Opening **Create return** again returns you to the draft already in progress.

**2. Choose the lines**

Tick **Return** on each line that goes back, and enter **Return qty**. **On hand** shows what the issuing warehouse can spare.

The **Supplier return** panel states how many lines are going back. A draft does not ask for a reason while you pick lines and quantities.

**3. Set the reason and warehouse**

Choose **Reason** — for example **Overshipped** or **Quality issue** — and confirm the **Issuing warehouse**.

You can also open **Commerce → Returns**. The list includes supplier returns. **Awaiting receipt** counts supplier returns that are still in draft.

## Authorize and issue

**1. Authorize**

Click **Authorize** when the lines and quantities are right. The return is ready to issue. Changing quantity or warehouse after authorize asks for a reason, the same way a customer return does.

**2. Issue and debit**

Click **Issue & debit**.

adorabl takes the units out of the issuing warehouse and posts the accounts payable debit. **Debit memo** on the header is the memo that posts with the issue. **Issue entry** is the inventory journal.

| Status | Meaning |
| - | - |
| **Draft** | Lines are still being chosen |
| **Authorized** | Ready to issue |
| **Issued** | Inventory has left the warehouse |
| **Debited** | The accounts payable debit has posted |
| **Void** | The return was voided before issue |

On the Returns list, **Decision** reads **Send back to supplier** until you issue, then **Issued to supplier**.

The **Journal entries** tab lists the inventory issue and the debit memo. **Return actions** stores reasons. **Activity** is the field log.

## When stock is short

If the warehouse cannot cover a line, a warning names the item, the line, the return quantity, and on-hand. **Authorize** and **Issue & debit** stay off until you fix it.

* Click **Edit return quantities** and lower **Return qty** to what is on hand.
* Or click **Void return** and start again when the goods are back in stock.

## Example: Trail Ridge Outfitters

Apex Supply overships twelve Summit Fleeces on receipt **RCPT-1188**. Denver has all twelve on hand.

1. On the receipt, the buyer clicks **Create return**, ticks the fleece line, and sets **Reason** to **Overshipped**.
2. They click **Authorize**, then **Issue & debit**.
3. On-hand at Denver drops by twelve. The supplier's open balance is reduced by the debit. The return shows **Issued to supplier** on the Returns list.

## Related guides

> **[Customer returns](https://www.adorabl.info/commerce/returns.md)**
>
> Credit a customer and restock what they send back.

> **[Purchase orders & receipts](https://www.adorabl.info/purchasing/purchase-orders-and-receipts.md)**
>
> Post the receipt before you return goods from it.

> **[Bills & adjustments](https://www.adorabl.info/accounts-payable/bills-and-adjustments.md)**
>
> Start a return from a posted bill, or read the debit memo.

> **[Stock on hand](https://www.adorabl.info/products/stock-on-hand.md)**
>
> Confirm the issuing warehouse has the quantity.

## Troubleshooting

> **Create return is missing**
>
> The receipt or bill has to be posted. A draft receipt has not put the goods into stock yet.

> **Issue & debit stays disabled**
>
> A line is short. The warning names the item and the gap between **Return qty** and **On hand**. Lower the quantity or void the return until stock is available.

> **The return is on Awaiting receipt**
>
> Supplier returns still in draft are counted on **Awaiting receipt**, next to customer returns that are authorized and waiting for goods. Open the draft and authorize it when the lines are final.


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